Intermediates for the production of picropodophyllin and related compounds and processes for the preparation and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R 1 represents alkoxy or aralkoxy, R 2 represents hydrogen, alkoxy, aralkoxy, alkyl, aralkyl, or R 1 and R 2 taken together represent the group --O--CH 2 --O--, R 3 represents hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, acyl or a protecting group, Y represents Cl, Br, I or a leaving group, and X represents Cl, Br or I.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A compound of the formula ##STR21## wherein; R 1  represents alkoxy, or aralkoxy, R 2  represents hydrogen, alkoxy, aralkoxy, alkyl, aralkyl,   or R 1  and R 2  taken together represent the group --O--CH 2  --O--,   R 3  represents lower alkyl, and   X and Y each represent Br.   
     
     
       2. A compound of the formula ##STR22## wherein; R 1  and R 2  taken together represent the group --O--CH 2  --O--, R 3  represents lower alkyl, and   X and Y each represent Br.